Maivena Bingham
An Artist is someone who works with his or her hands, eyes and heart, regardless of status or skills.
My paintings are inspired and informed by the traditional customs and decorative arts of the indigenous tribal peoples of Africa. A designer by training and an artist by inclination my passion for character for character, beauty and culture, draws me to those cultures whose jewellery, markings and costumes (or lack of) tell the story of their peoples lives, both the epic and the everyday.
I am fascinated by how individuality and belonging, finds expression and takes form amongst people around the world and my paintings are an enquiring emotional response.
Within my paintings I attempt to capture emotional depth and atmosphere, in an attempt to pause and record a real moment, one of psychological power and strength, shaping questions within the work. I chose to work with paint (oil on canvas) a medium and method more in keeping with the tribes artistic traditions of recording and relating.
In 2006 I travelled to Tunisia to study north African culture and textiles, so as to enhance my ability to express what I see and feel.
I hope my paintings evoke some of the sheer magic, mystery and presence that dwell amongst the tribes and serve to celebrate and stand in awe of the great artists amongst them, these people of the land of my ancestors.
My work reveals a rich tapestry — weaving moments and emotions from life, creating intense, passionate, moving portraits and paintings. A love of people, places and fashions from diverse areas of the world inspires and adds texture to my emotionally charged work.
A veteran of numerous shows and exibitions including The Royal Academy and the Laing Competition — Mall Galleries in London my work has been exhibited and sold extensively and can be found in private collections in Europe, USA, Thailand, Jamaica and other Caribbean Islands.
I have taught drawing and painting to adults and children and specialise in children's artwork shops inspired by ethnic themes.
A recent move to Wales adds breadth and colour to my work and I will be exhibiting paintings.
